Merck wins FDA’s OK for diabetes pill
Sat Mar 31, 10:02 PM ET
WASHINGTON - A 2-in-1 medicine to treat diabetes has won federal
approval, Merck & Co. Inc. said Saturday.
The tablet, called Janumet, combines a proprietary Merck drug with the
older diabetes drug metformin.
Some patients with type 2 diabetes already take metformin and the newer
drug, called Januvia, separately. Merck hopes the combination version
will make it easier for those diabetics to control their blood sugar levels.
The
Food and Drug Administration approved Januvia in October. That drug
enhances the body’s own ability to lower blood sugar levels. Novartis AG
October 8th, 2006 at 12:30 pm
I take extra met to cover what isnt in my glucovance. It is just easier
to take one pill than 2 and i have the others if I need them
individually. Things like Januvia are pretty much set doses so you can
just increase the met if you need more. The combos work for a lot of
people and I guess it depends on what kind of control one is aiming for.
Doctors know that most people will baulk at taking a bunch of pills
several times a day but will take one twice. Some is better than none*G*
October 17th, 2006 at 12:35 am
With the exception of Byetta, I have always been cautious about going
on any medication that has not been around for a while. It seems to
take at least a year for the downside of drugs to be noted and I would
rather wait to be sure they are safe. That is my personal opinion.